1. Read our helpful brochure, “Know Before You Go,” before traveling. Print copies may be requested online, or view the web version at www.cbp.gov under the Travel section.
2. Understand that CBP officers can inspect you and your belongings without a warrant. This may include your luggage, vehicle, and personal searches, and is meant to enforce our laws as well as protect legitimate travelers.
3. Don’t bring any food into the U.S. without first checking to see if it is permitted. Also, any and all live birds and bird products, whether for personal or commercial use, may be restricted and/or quarantined.
4. Don’t bring any Cuban-made products into the U.S., no matter where you purchased them.
5. Be aware that many foreign-made medications are not FDA-approved, and you cannot bring them into the U.S. Also, when traveling abroad, bring only the amount of medication you’ll need during the trip.
6. Know the difference between prohibited merchandise (such as ivory, tortoise shell products, absinthe, and counterfeit items) and restricted merchandise.
7. Know that things bought abroad for personal use or as gifts are eligible for duty exemptions. If you are bringing them back for resale, they’re not.
8. Be cautious when buying something from a street vendor. Keep in mind that the merchandise may be counterfeit and/or unsafe and you may have to surrender it to U.S. Customs and Border Protection when you get home.
9. Declare everything you are bringing in from abroad, even if you bought it in a duty-free shop. This merchandise is also subject to U.S. duty fees and other restrictions.
10. Have all the required travel documents for the countries you’re visiting, as well as identification for re-entry to the U.S. Passports are required for re-entry to the U.S. by air. Visit www.travel.state.gov for destination information.
